Time and again, you are asked to execute a shot of difficulty, but Muirfield always tells you exactly what is required. The rest is simply up to you.
With stone walls, burns, deep bunkers, rocks, blind shots and some vicious green contours to contend with, North Berwick doesn't have to be long to be special.
Few other links feature such dramatic changes in elevation, and Gullane does so in great style. It is also impeccably presented with the course a joy to experience in itself.
With Muirfield on one side and Archerfield on the other, to say that Tom Doak's Renaissance occupies hallowed golfing ground would be an understatement.
Apart from an absence for the most part of sea views, Luffness is the epitome of Scottish seaside golf that the purists among us love.
The best thing about Sunny Dunny is that you are so close to the sea for so long. You will struggle to find another links in Scotland that can rival it in this aspect.
You can rely on the quality of the pristine linksland turf at Gullane No 2, which occupies the same land as its older sibling but is a fine course in its own right.
The finishing touches to the Archerfield Fidra were only made in 2004, yet this piece of prime East Lothian land already boasts more history than almost any course in the world.
Kilspindie, tucked away between Aberlady and Gullane is all too easy to miss yet contains within 5,500 yards every element of links golf you could wish for.
The Dirleton is a traditional Scottish links with sweeping fairways, deep menacing bunkers and undulating sand dunes bordering each fairway.
A course with just that extra degree of interest and intrigue that separates good courses from very good ones. Musselburgh assuredly falls into the latter category.
For many years one of the most exclusive clubs to gain entry to, Royal Burgess is now notably more welcoming to new members. This is by all accounts a pedigree parkland.
With elevated views across the famous Firth of Forth, The Glen, in North Berwick, is a wonderful place to be on a sunny day.
Now about 10 years old, Craigielaw can be found close to Gullane. It certainly has some links characteristics, but there is also an inland feel to many of the holes.
Harry Colt, James Braid, Philip Mackenzie Ross and Donald Steel have all left their mark on this East Lothian club that dates back almost a hundred years.
Gullane No.3 shares the same springy turf as its sisters and boasts some of the best views across Aberlady Bay.
Set in the backdrop of Edinburgh, Royal Musselburgh offers stunning views of the city skyline and Arthur's Seat - in contrast to many of the surrounding East Lothian courses.
All you need to know about this brilliant British course
With as much history as St Andrews Old, this links is a must-play for all.